What Causes the Clicking Sound When the Car Won't Start?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the car won't start and makes a clicking sound: 1. The battery is dead. Go to a professional battery store to have it tested with specialized equipment. Avoid going directly to a repair shop, as they usually lack the proper tools for battery testing and may suggest replacing the battery outright. 2. The alternator is not generating electricity or is not producing enough power. A faulty alternator can lead to a dead battery. You can use a multimeter to check the alternator's output while the engine is idling. The voltage should be around 14 volts at idle. 3. The starter motor's carbon brushes are faulty. If the first two checks show no issues, you can remove the starter motor and have it inspected by a professional. There's no need to replace the starter motor bearings; simply replacing the carbon brushes will suffice.
Having driven for decades, I've often encountered the issue where the car won't start and only makes a clicking sound. The most common cause is a weak battery—insufficient starting current only allows the relay to click. You can check the brightness of the headlights to diagnose this; if the lights are dim when turned on, it confirms a battery issue. Next, inspect the starter motor—worn carbon brushes or a faulty solenoid in older cars can also cause clicking sounds. Poor electrical connections should also be checked, such as oxidized or loose battery terminals or corroded grounding wires. In an emergency, try jump-starting the car; if it starts, the problem is the battery, otherwise, the starter needs repair. Regularly test the battery's lifespan every two years to avoid sudden failures. Additionally, in automatic transmission models, a faulty gear position sensor can trigger the anti-theft mode, leading to similar symptoms.
